823

the trees form shapes
on the ground
ones in the back,
a lopsided square
one corner overtakes
the lake with sweeping
branches and leaves
that dip into the water

some of the roads are unpaved
dirt or strewn with fine pebbles
occasionally there’s a sign
notifying residents roadwork
will be commencing shortly

the men at the diners downtown
don’t care about country roads
unless they’re in their district
they don’t care about
what’s spilling on their ties
either
they’re replaceable
and it happens often enough
to not warrant concern

a courthouse is in the center
of downtown with a civil war hero
in front of the steps

there used to be an AM station
downtown with a glass front
the men with headphones
sometimes waved at families
as they strolled through
the square looking for something
some way to pass the day

I never listened to the station
when it was alive
even though it was the only
original blood in this town